So this young woman is a member of the imperial military. It’s likely she was part of a covert spy operation that was lost at sea. She tried to obfuscate some of the details, but it did her no good—she’s too honest, and hardly a good fit for subterfuge.
It’s clear that she was unable to get any useful intelligence, so it wouldn’t cause us any problems to simply release her. However, if we were to do so here, she’d only run into the same problems she encountered before. If we were to take her back with us to Iluk, we don’t have any connections we can contact behind the empire’s borders.
We could always take her to Duke Sachusse, seeing as his domain sits on the border. But we’re not at all beholden to such duties, not to mention the fact that in doing so we may be providing her with information she can use.
Hmm... What to do?
“Mont, what do you advise?” asked Aymer.
Mont was a former imperial citizen himself, and so Aymer felt his counsel to be of great value.
“I say we take her back to Iluk and send her back to the empire by boat. I reckon our ocean pals’ll be happy to help, but we wouldn’t do it for free. So...we could have her save up the money for her trip by working in Iluk. Alternatively, she can earn her trip back by helping out here in the field with us.”
Mont explained that the Meowgen people were at times volatile and fickle but that most were honest and dependable, especially when it came to following orders or repaying debts. He seemed confident that the young woman would not get up to any mischief.
“Now it might seem odd, putting someone so honest on a spy mission,” Mont continued, “but the Meowgen people have incredibly supple bodies, they see well in the dark, and their senses of smell and hearing are top notch. Their stealth skills also lend to battle prowess. Between all that and their loyalty to their commanding officers, they’re unbelievably handy.”
“I see. In which case, we’ll have her rest and recover in Iluk before sending her home via a sea route,” Aymer decided. “As for how she can pay for that trip... I think it’s fine to let her decide that for herself. What would you like to do?”
The young woman looked at Aymer carefully and took only a short moment to answer.
“You saved me, and you’ve promised me a route home,” she replied finally. “I’ll help out with your plans, and I’ll do whatever you ask of me. You haven’t had to say anything for me to get a pretty good idea of where you’re from, but even then you decided to help me. I’m in your debt. But let me make one thing clear... I take orders from the mo—ahem, the hopping mousekin, and nobody else. I’ve had more than enough of men for my liking, and I don’t like the bloodthirsty look in all of those eyes. By the way, the name’s Aruharu Gale. What’s your name, miss?”
“Aymer Jerrybower. Well then, Aruharu, looks like you’re my new aide. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance. For now, we’re simply on the move, so just do your best to remain hidden from any potential enemies. The men we knocked out have been bound, but we’ll do our best to keep you apart. Until we have a place to keep them, please just make the best of the situation.”
“You got it.”
Aruharu removed her hood to reveal a smile on her face, then held her hand out towards Aymer. The message was clear: There was only one head suitable for her to ride, and it was this one. Aymer thus leaped from Aruharu’s hand to her head, seating herself between the Meowgen’s two ears.
From here, Aymer could see that Aruharu’s hair lacked sheen but was silky to the touch. Aymer felt it would only take a little care to really shine. Within Aruharu’s slightly slanted eyes were irises of a jewellike green. The young Meowgen was skinny from starvation, but with some food she’d prove to be healthy, capable, and pretty. Her body was thin but resonated with a supple strength. When she stood to full height, Aymer couldn’t help noticing that she stood taller than even the domain guard.
“So, where are we going?” asked Aruharu. “That way?”
Aymer was astounded when she realized that Aruharu didn’t make the slightest sound when she moved, even as she crushed dead leaves or old branches underfoot. She was completely silent. Not only that—she was fast.
“Stop! W-Wait just a moment!” sputtered Aymer. “Please keep pace with the others. We’re moving under the cover of a spell, and you’ll want to stay within its boundaries. Once we reach our base of operations we’ll take a break and then begin in earnest. It’s fine for you to take as much time as you need to recuperate. You don’t need to aid us in our mission until you feel good and ready.”
Aruharu stopped, crossed her arms, and tilted her head slightly as she dropped into thought.
“I’ve been given more than enough food,” she said with a grin. “A little power nap and I’ll be good to go. I want my revenge, and I want you to see what I’m worth, so let me at them.”
True to her word, Aruharu only needed a short rest before she was ready. And in her scouting operations with the Peijins, she proved exceptional—her efforts saw them occupy an enemy stronghold in one fell swoop.
Meeting Aruharu was a stroke of good fortune for Aymer’s expeditionary party. As it turned out, her former prison was in an insurgent stronghold. She still remembered all the intel she’d gathered for her prison break and was more than happy to share it. Her intelligence was worth its weight in gold.